If you’ve ever thought about beekeeping—or even just felt concerned about the future of our planet—then The Beekeeper’s Bible is the kind of book you need on your shelf. Written by Richard A. Jones and Sharon Sweeney-Lynch, this isn’t just a how-to guide. It’s an inspiring, deeply informative celebration of bees, beekeeping, and the incredible role these little pollinators play in keeping our ecosystems thriving.

What really struck me about this book is how beautifully it blends history, science, and hands-on instruction. It starts with a fascinating look at the history of beekeeping, which honestly gave me a whole new appreciation for how long humans and bees have been working together. But it doesn’t stop at storytelling—it dives straight into practical beekeeping advice for beginners and seasoned keepers alike.

You’ll learn about hive types, seasonal care, bee behavior, and how to manage healthy colonies—something that’s becoming more and more urgent as bee populations continue to decline. The more we understand bees, the better we can protect them. And this book makes that learning process feel approachable and genuinely enjoyable.

One of my favorite parts? The section filled with honey recipes and beeswax crafts. It reminds you that keeping bees isn’t just about the science—it’s about joy, creativity, and connection to nature. I tried my hand at a few recipes (yes, honey cake!) and even dabbled in making a beeswax candle, which turned out far better than I expected.

But what I love most about The Beekeeper’s Bible is its quiet, steady reminder that saving bees starts with us. Whether you start a backyard hive or just become more aware of pollinator-friendly gardening, every small step helps. This book isn’t pushy or preachy—it simply makes you want to do better by these amazing creatures.

If you’re interested in sustainable living, eco-friendly gardening, or even just curious about how to support the bees in your area, this book will inspire and empower you. It’s more than a reference—it’s a call to action, wrapped up in gorgeous photos, thoughtful writing, and a whole lot of love for the bees

10 DIY Bee Hotels You Can Make For Your Garden

Tips For Creating a Bee Friendly Garden

Consumers continue to feel the pain of increasing grocery prices. Food cost nearly 11% more in the summer of 2022 than it did in the summer of 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sadly, the people who earn the least spend the greatest percentage of their income—upwards of 25%—on food alone.

Consider that alongside the fact that the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 30% to 40% of all food winds up in landfills where it will off-gas methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Food waste happens at all levels of the food chain; for consumers, the top contributors are dairy (17%); vegetables (19%); and meat, poultry, and fish (30%). Consuming instead of discarding that food could save a household of four $1,500 a year.

Here, we explain ways to make your money go further while treading gently on the planet.

From a marching parade of ants to hovering fruit flies, pests can really put a damper on things. They don’t have to be a fact of life for your house, though. Along with keeping a clean home and sealing points of entry, there are smart ways to repel bugs that blend home aesthetics with pest control techniques. 

Last Updated on October 30, 2024

Did you know most shower curtain liners are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which contains a number of toxic chemicals? If it emits that “new shower curtain smell” it’s likely made from PVC. 

The problem is PVC contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are linked to indoor air pollution and adverse health effects, such as headaches, dizziness and respiratory issues. VOCs can also contribute to petrochemical smog. 

When possible, it’s best to avoid VOCs altogether, or choose low-VOC emitting materials for your shower curtains like PEVA or EVA (more on them below).  

Here are the best non-toxic shower curtain liner options on the market. I’ve included both water-resistant and water-proof options to make it a more accessible list! 

what kind of shower curtain liner is non-toxic? 

If you’re looking for a non-toxic shower curtain liner, the best options are liners made from organic fabrics like cotton, linen, or hemp. These are not waterproof, but they are water resistant. They do take longer to dry, but they don’t emit any VOCs during production or use. 

If you’re going to use them, it’s recommended to only use them in well-ventilated spaces to avoid mold growing. Opening a window and turning on the air filter can help circulate air in the room after a shower. 

If you want water-proof fabrics that are low-tox, consider PEVA (polyethylene-vinyl acetate) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) liners. These are basically the same material.  

However, it’s worth noting that PEVA shower curtains do emit VOCs that can harm living organisms. More studies are needed to deduce whether toxic effects occur in more complex organisms, especially humans. 

While they may not be as healthy as natural fabrics, or even just regular polyester, PEVA and EVA are generally safer than PVC or moldy curtains. For this reason, I’ve chosen to include some PEVA and EVA options below. 

which is safer, EVA or PEVA? 

PEVA and EVA are basically the same materials. However, it’s worth noting that they are both made from synthetic plastic materials. While both options are chlorine-free, they do still emit VOCs, though on a lower scale than traditional PVC liners. 

These options are completely water-proof, durable and affordable. You can typically find them in Home Goods, which makes them very accessible. I’ve also included some sustainable brands that use PEVA and EVA liners below. 

However, the overall best non-toxic shower curtain liner will always be one made from sustainable materials, like organic cotton, hemp or linen. These may not dry the same way as plastic, but they are non-toxic and won’t emit any VOCs whatsoever.  

You can also machine wash them which makes them reusable. However, you will have to wash them on a regular basis to keep them in good condition. 

what is the best material for a shower curtain liner? 

The best materials for a shower curtain liner are made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, hemp or linen.  

Be mindful that if you choose one of these materials, you will need to do a few things to ensure mold doesn’t grow: 

• Wash it once per week/two weeks. Wash cold and hang dry. 

• Let your shower curtain dry completely between uses. You can speed this up by fully extending the curtain on the outside of the bathtub.  

• Ensuring the room has proper airflow (open the door or a window – or both). Using a fan is a great idea too. 

If you do encounter any mold problems, consider using some non-chlorine bleach, like Meliora’s Oxygen Brightener or Dropps’ Oxi Booster, on your cloth liner. Adding white vinegar to your wash cycle can also help. 

However, if you’re looking for something entirely water-proof, PEVA, polyester, and EVA materials are generally better than PVC.  

Be mindful that you should also look for more than just materials when it comes to making a purchase. Ideally, you should purchase from brands that use ethical and transparent manufacturing, sustainable certifications like OEKO-TEX, and/or have a recycling system in place. 

gzw approved non-toxic shower curtain liner 

These non-toxic shower curtain liners get the Going Zero Waste seal of approval. All of these brands are made without PVA, and one of them even offers a recycling program.  

I included some PEVA and EVA options for those looking for waterproof options, as these are considered low-tox materials compared to PVC. 

I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some key features of each brand, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information. 

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So would you give one of these non-toxic shower curtain liners a try? Let me know in the comments! 

Imagine saving hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars each year—just by owning less. These 20 stats show how.

Most people I know want more time and money. In most cases, I can see why.

We’re stretched thin—trying to meet deadlines, pay bills, care for our families, and still find space for rest, joy, purpose, and meaning. The days feel short. The expenses pile up. And it’s easy to believe that the only solution is to work harder, earn more, or somehow fit more into an already full life.

But maybe there’s a better answer. What if the solution isn’t found in earning more, but in owning less?

Every item we buy has a cost—and not just in dollars. Our possessions cost us time to earn, time to maintain, and time to manage. And the quickest way to get more time and money back into our lives is to pursue minimalism.

And it turns out, the numbers back this up. Here are 20 statistics that show just how much minimalism can change our everyday by giving us more time and more money.

Money

1. Americans waste $18,000 on “non-essential” expenses each year (source)

2. Despite owning enough clothing to form an average of 135 outfits, Americans spend an average of $1,445 yearly on clothes and shoes. (source)

3. On average, people spend $360 each year on jewelry, whether for gifting others or buying for themselves—despite already owning 34 pieces of jewelry. Men, on average, spend more on themselves than women do. (source)

4. Families spent $24 billion on toys annually. Parents spend an average of $240 on toys and games every year while grandparents spend $500. All while it’s estimated that 20-30% of toys are never played with. (source)

5. Americans spend $14.6 billion every year on home organization. (source)

6. In the United States, people throw away over $473 billion worth of food annually—38% of all the food in America. (source)

7. Nearly $10 billion in electronic devices—comprising computer equipment and devices, screens, and small electronic appliances—is thrown away every year in the US alone. (source)

8. On average, Americans spend approximately $1,100 per year on coffee from coffee shops. (source)

9. Nearly 25% of grocery shopping dollars are spent on processed foods and sweets—that amounts to $125/month for the average American household. (source)

10. In the US, consumers spend an average of $150 per month on impulse purchases. (source)

11. The average American spends over $1,000 a year on subscriptions—$200 of it on unnecessary or unused subscriptions. (source)

Time

12. On average we spend two hours per day buying things and taking care of the things we already own. (source)

13. Americans spend nearly two hours a day shopping online at work. (source)

14. The average woman makes 301 trips to the store annually, spending close to 400 hours a year shopping. This amounts to 8.5 years spent shopping during a typical lifespan. (source)

15. The median size of a new American home has grown to 2,338 square feet from 983 square feet in 1950, driven partly by the need to store excess possessions, increasing housing costs. (source)

16. 54% of Americans feel overwhelmed by clutter, with managing possessions elevating stress hormone levels, particularly for mothers, costing mental health and time. (source)

17. Americans spend more than two full days online shopping per year. (source)

18. The average American now spends 2.5 days per year (60 hours) looking for lost items, costing households $2.7 billion annually to replace misplaced possessions. (source)

More

19. 81% of shoppers are willing to increase their online spending purchase just to meet a retailer’s free shipping threshold. (source)

20. The national average credit card debt among cardholders with unpaid balances in 2025 averaged $7,321 (with much of it tied to unnecessary purchases), which results in an extra $120 billion in credit card interest and fees every year. (source)

The data doesn’t lie: when we own less, we can save more—both time and money. And with that, we gain something even more valuable—margin to live a better, more intentional life.

Last Updated on November 7, 2024

This post was sponsored by Adobe Express. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information, please see my disclosure policy. 

Since moving to Maine, I get the fall hype. I finally get it. I have never seen trees that are so colorful. The air is crisp. Cliché, but true. And I’m not even sure how to describe crisp air. But I think it’s like true love. You can’t really explain it, but you know it when you feel it. 

The colder weather and crisp air make me excited to put on warm and cozy clothes. I want to wrap up in a big scarf and embrace this season’s magic in every way possible. 

And the magic of this season…. isn’t something you can buy, even though a quick scroll through my Instagram feed might have you believe otherwise. 

There can be a lot of waste this time of year, from giant hauls of clothing, seasonal decor, beauty and body products that won’t be used entirely by the time we need to swap for the next holiday scent, single-use poorly constructed costumes, single-use plastic cups for fall drinks, and the list goes on.

We often use buying things as a replacement for connection. Instead, focus on the connection.  While I don’t think it’s inherently wrong to want to enjoy fall fashion, decorate for the season, and fall-inspired treats, I do think that the magic of the season goes so much deeper than what you can buy. 

Fall is about slowing down as we head into winter. It’s about darker nights, connecting with our loved ones, and enjoying the bounty of harvest and some of our favorite fall foods. And we can do all of that in a sustainable way that makes us feel truly connected to the season and the people we care about. 

In truth, you don’t need a bunch of new stuff to enjoy fall. And you certainly don’t have to sacrifice your favorite fall activities to be sustainable. So here are some ways to keep your fall eco-friendly and enjoy the essence of the season. 

fall bingo

To fully embrace this season, I made a fall bingo card using Adobe Express. This is a fun game and a reminder to celebrate the season sustainably and fully. You can even share or compete with your friends and family. (annnd maybe encourage them to participate in some sustainable fall habits too??) 

I wanted to make a bingo card to go beyond just a checklist because the visual nature and gamification encourages me to really make these fall activities a priority. 

Plus, it’s just FUN. I was so excited when I got my bingo this year!!

If I don’t make a plan to go out and enjoy the season, I can often get too wrapped up in day-to-day, that I miss out on so many fun moments. Allowing myself to print and hang the bingo sheet on my fridge, I’m reminded of all the fun ways I can celebrate the season. 

I made this bingo sheet with Adobe Express. They made it so easy because I can easily choose from various templates, making it simple even for non-designers. 

The templates are fully customizable, so I could adapt each section to fit the activities and eco-friendly values I wanted to showcase. The platform’s user-friendly tools allowed me to adjust colors, add icons, and play around with fonts to give the sheet a festive fall-themed look.

I love the intuitive features, making it easy to design something unique in minutes without any complicated steps. If you’re interested in creating your own seasonal games or personalized checklists, Adobe Express is a fantastic option for putting together visually appealing projects with ease.

Here’s a look at a few of my favorite bingo sheet squares! 

1. pumpkin and apple picking

This is a fall classic, and I got to check both of these boxes off of my bingo sheet this year!  

If you love stocking up on apples and pumpkins, consider hitting up a local pumpkin patch and apple orchard. It’s so important to support small, local farms. Not only is it fun, it’s a great way to connect more with your local food systems.  

Small farms support the local economy by providing jobs, strengthening the community, and helping maintain rural populations.

Small farms can help protect and enhance the environment by preserving land and creating a good landscape. They can also increase biodiversity by growing heirloom and non-commercial varieties of plants.

Check and see if you can find any local farms near you that use organic and/or regenerative farming practices too! 

But don’t forget to use up all the apples and pumpkins you get! Especially pumpkins: 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins go uneaten and get sent to landfills in the U.S. alone each year.

Here are some creative ways to use up your apples and pumpkins.

Apples:

And you can save your scraps and cores to make homemade Apple Cider Vinegar from Scraps! 

Pumpkins:

For more ideas check out my latest book 101 Tips For a Zero Waste Kitchen, with tons of food waste-fighting recipes!

2. fall drinks

There are so many delicious fall drinks that come out this time of year. From apple cider to pumpkin spice lattes, there’s no shortage of options.

I have three squares on the bingo card dedicated to fun fall drinks because you don’t have to give them up to be sustainable. Just consider bringing your own reusable travel mug with you and asking for it to go in there. 

So far I’ve gotten hot apple cider and a pumpkin spice coffee blend. So, I have one more fall drink to try before December! 

Also, if you have some extra time, most small cafes are more likely to provide you with actual mugs if you get your drink to stay. And what’s not more aesthetically pleasing than sipping on a fall drink in a cute cafe?

You can also make your own fall drinks at home. One of my favorites is mulled apple cider (even better if you get it from the local farmers market). Here’s how to make it.

mulled apple cider recipe

Ingredients:

• Apple cider
• Orange slices
• Cinnamon sticks
• Whole cloves

Instructions:

1. In a pot, add as much apple cider as you’d like (this will depend on how many people you’re serving – a gallon should be enough for 7-8 people). Add in your orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves.
2. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for ~30 minutes. 
3. When it’s done, strain out the extras and serve in reusable mugs!

3. diy fall crafts

You really don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of new fall decor. Nature has provided us with so many beautiful options, so lean in. I love to decorate with gourds and pumpkins that can be eaten. You can make a beautiful garland with leaves that can be composted. 

Of course, the most sustainable option is to use what you have. Shop secondhand and consider DIYing some fall crafts and decor instead. 

I love to draw inspiration from the items I see on Instagram or in stores and then make my own version using secondhand or upcycled materials like scrap fabric, salvaged paper from gifts or packages, and cardboard from boxes. But using natural materials for your crafts is great too, as these can be composted, like foraged fall leaves, acorns and twigs.

Here are some fall DIYs I love:

4. cook using in-season fall produce

Visiting your local farmers market is a great way to see what’s in season near you. This will vary from state to state due to the climate in your region. For example, California is warmer than New York, so it makes sense that more produce is available during the winter months.

However, be mindful that what’s sold at your local market will also depend on what your local farmers choose to grow that year. Many things can factor into this decision, like the cost of growing versus the profit of selling.

Here’s a general list of what’s typically in season for fall:

• Apples
• Pears
• Plums
• Figs
• Pumpkins 
• Winter squash (butternut, acorn squash, kabocha etc.)
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potatoes
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Chard
• Parsnips
• Garlic
• Onions
• Herbs
• Kale
• Leeks
• Potatoes
• Spinach
• Turnips
• Peppers

I cannot wait to make my dad’s award winning chili, miso white bean stew, and all of roasted squash dishes! I’m a member of a vegan dinner party group, and we do a big Friendsgiving potluck every year and a soup party. The party is hosted by a vegan, but no one else in the group is vegan so this a great way to encourage more plant based eating and creativity. 

Please note the Potluck square on the bingo sheet, and let me tell you a soup party truly is life changing. Every time we host one of these, we all bring the recipes to share with each other.

My favorite dish so far was brought by one of my friends! It’s a kabocha squash stuffing with maple tempeh that has become one of the recipes I look forward to all year long. 

When you choose to support locally grown produce, you’re reducing food miles (aka, how long it takes for your food to get to you). Market produce is often grown in the same or neighboring states instead of across the country or overseas.

You can also sign up for a local CSA box if you have access to one. They will curate a weekly or bi-weekly box of seasonal produce from a local farm. Many offer delivery straight to your door, or have a designated pick-up spot.

Cooking at home also helps reduce waste and connects you to your food more. When you buy your produce fresh, there’s less packaging waste. Plus, fresh food goes bad faster, which allows you to think up yummy ways to utilize it in your cooking. 

My tip? Keep fresh foods within sight so you’re more likely to reach for them. And meal plan whenever possible! 

5. make your own costume

So many of the costumes you find online and in stores are made from cheap materials, like polyester. They’re only built to last one night and easily fall apart. 

That essentially means thousands of Halloween costumes will be heading to the landfill after the holiday is over. (source) And remember: Polyester is just another term for plastic fabric. So it won’t break down and likely, cannot be recycled.

Plus, costumes can cost a lot of money, depending on what you’re going as. A costume can easily cost $50-80.  

Instead, why not make your own? Here are some ways you can. I guarantee you, you’ll look so much better, reduce waste and save a lot of money.

If you’d rather download a pdf, I can email that to you. It will automatically sign you up for my weekly newsletter where I share more sustainability tips. I respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.

shop your closet first

You probably already have clothes in your wardrobe that would make a great costume! I recently challenged myself to make seven costumes from one black dress, and it was a blast. 

You can also get a few accessories that can easily change almost any basic look and allow you to lean into what you already have.

• animal ears paired with any clothing will make an easy costume
• a crown paired with any fancy dress will be a princess
• wings will make any slightly flowy and whimsical dress a fairy
• a witch hat will make any black dress look like a witch costume
• a cowboy hat and jeans will instantly make you from the wild west

thrifting, renting, swapping

You can thrift or rent your Halloween costume, too! There are SO many Halloween costumes available at your local thrift store, many of which haven’t even been worn. 

There are also some amazing costume rental companies – just google ones near you and see what pops up. 

You can also try renting normal clothing that looks ‘costume-like’ and fits into whatever character you’re aiming for. This is a great option if you know the item you want for the costume will never be worn again.

For example, maybe you want to go as a leopard, but don’t enjoy wearing leopard print on a consistent basis. Renting is a great option to reduce waste: You get to use it with the comfort of knowing someone else will keep it in use after you. 

And don’t forget going to a costume swap or just swapping with friends and family. It’s a great way to get a new-to-you costume for free. 

diy costumes

If you’re especially crafty, you can probably put your entire costume together yourself using some basic sewing skills. Head to a fabric store (or even better yet, fashion one from fabric scraps/secondhand fabrics) and grab whatever you’ll need.

You don’t have to sew your costume to DIY it either: You can get crafty by upcycling all kinds of materials to create a costume, like cardboard, aluminum, and jewelry. 

I recently crafted an impromptu bug costume and made my own antennas out of a headband, a clothing hanger and some ribbon! 

6. go leaf peeping

A simple way to reconnect with nature is to go leaf peeping. All you need to do is pick a location, research the area, and bring the right gear.

This bingo sheet is really about slowing down and connecting with the season in a less consumer driven way. Taking a nature walk, leaf peeping, stargazing, even crafting are all ways to help you slow down from the day-to-day. 

I recommend visiting a local state forest and going on a fall hike to get the best view of the colorful leaves.

Maine is known for its forests, so if you’re in the area, I highly recommend checking them out! Upstate New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Vermont also have some impeccable fall foliage worth checking out.

You can sustainably prep for your trip by:

• Packing some zero waste snacks! I love grabbing some granola, chocolate covered raisins, and pistachios at the bulk food store. Bringing some fresh fruit, like apples and pears is great too. You can also make some homemade protein bars and store them in a reusable silicone bag.
• Bring some sustainable hiking gear! For fall, flannel, comfy pants, and hiking boots are a must! Don’t forget a sturdy hiking backpack, a compass, a flashlight, and some binoculars. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle either!
• Choose eco-friendly routes on Google Maps if possible to get there. Just make sure to turn on ‘prefer fuel-efficient routes’ under route options. 

Of course, if you’re unable to make it to a forest for a hike, you can always simply walk through your local park to see the leaves. Enjoying the foliage in your own backyard is easy and hassle free!

7. attend a pumpkin smashing event

Did you know 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins are trashed annually after Halloween and Thanksgiving? (source USDA) We should be eating our pumpkins – I listed some pumpkin recipes in the first section!

However, if you don’t like the taste of pumpkin, consider attending a local pumpkin smash event. You get to literally smash your pumpkin, and the remains get composted! 

Another option is to see if your local farm, zoo, or animal sanctuary accepts pumpkin donations for the animals. They’ll enjoy eating them. 

Also, if you have a dog, consider whipping up some homemade pumpkin dog treats. Nala loves it when I make her some!

8. host a fall themed event

Love hosting? Why not try hosting a fun fall themed event? It’s a great way to build connections, make memories, and get your loved ones into the spirit of seasonal, slow living. 

Here are some fall-inspired friend nights, minus the waste:

• Seasonal inspired potluck: Ask your friends to cook a dish that uses at least one in-season produce item. Even better if they get it from your local market!
• Movie night: Invite your friends over to watch some cozy, wholesome films. Snacks can be popcorn you bought at the bulk bins and homemade treats!
• Candle making: Assemble the materials needed to make some natural beeswax, coconut or soy candles together. Just make sure to take the proper precautions and prepare to get messy!
• Pumpkin carving: Invite your friends over to carve pumpkins – but save the guts to make stock, and the seeds for roasting. Compost whatever you can’t reuse! You can even host a contest to see who makes the best one. Winner gets a fun eco-themed prize!
• Baking: Have your friends over for a bake night! Attempt to make something apple, pear, or pumpkin themed. Cinnamon rolls and raisin oatmeal cookies scream fall to me too!
• Bread-making: Attempt to make homemade bread together! Just note that bread tends to take a while to make and you may need to prep some of it in advance the day before. 
• Painting fall-themed art: Using whatever art supplies you already have, challenge yourself to paint a fall scene. You can paint it on a traditional canvas, or get creative and use upcycled materials (like scrap paper, cardboard, seashells, wine bottles, etc.) as your canvas! 

9. go thrifting for new fall clothes

This time of year, there’s a huge push to buy new boots and sweaters. We’re constantly bombarded with advertisements for the latest “fall fashion trends” and this leads to impulse purchases we probably don’t really need. 

If you do need something new, or feel like you’re missing a fall staple in your wardrobe, consider thrifting for it first. Everything at the thrift store is secondhand, which means the materials needed to make it were already used up. Purchasing thrifted pieces means you’re keeping these items out of landfills and promoting reuse.

To make thrifting even more fun, consider going with a friend! Just make sure you ask yourself if you really need/will use the item you’re eyeing before purchase.

If you don’t have a thrift store near you, consider checking out one of these online thrift and vintage stores.

RELATED: 10 Sustainable Fall Must-Haves

10. tour a cidery

What’s more fall than apple cider? Consider checking to see if there are any local cideries near you. If there are, you can likely schedule a tour!

I actually got my first fun fall drink bingo check from freshly made apple cider to go in my own reusable cup! 

You can ask them a bunch of questions about how they grow their apples, and if they use any sustainable practices. Also, many will let you sample their ciders in reusable glasses.

Cider itself is considered sustainable because it is fermented without heat, similar to wine, which means it uses less energy than other craft beverages. Cideries can also use clean energy to reduce their carbon footprint. 

If you fall in love with the cider, you can purchase it straight from them. This helps support small farms, which is much better than purchasing it from the grocery store. You’re helping to empower your local economy, and supporting better farming practices.

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So, which of these sustainable fall activities are you most excited to try out? Let me know in the comments!

And, a huge thank you to Adobe Express for sponsoring this post. Be sure to visit Adobe.com to create all kinds of images, videos, and documents, like the bingo card I made above! 

I am definitely planning on making one for Christmas as well. I’ve always loved making seasonal bucket lists, but the bingo sheet makes it even more interactive and intentional.

Last Updated on December 4, 2024

It’s that time of year again – I’m so excited to share my favorite eco friendly gifts in this 2024 sustainable gift guide! I love writing these guides every year because both my mother and I have the love language of gifts, and sustainable gifts make this even better!

Choosing eco friendly gifts for your loved ones is a simple but effective way to do your part for the planet. Plus, sharing environmentally responsible gifts with your favorite people will encourage them to live a zero waste lifestyle too! My list of sustainable gift ideas will help you find the perfect items for an extra special holiday season.

This post was sponsored. Several of the links below are affiliate links; for more information please see my disclosure policy.

sustainable gifts

I’ve been focusing less on physical gifts and more on acts of service lately. Whether you’re making the bed or washing the dishes, there are several practical ways to show your love.

But the fact remains – gifting physical presents is still one of my favorite ways to show love. Consumable gifts and experience gifts are great, but I think physical gifts are good opportunities to pass on the eco love.

I’ve gifted things like reusable water bottles in the past that actually inspired the recipients to make more impactful changes down the line. I’m sure you’ve done the same.

I’ve divided this post into separate categories to easily shop for everyone on your list.

1. gifts for cozy living
2. gifts for the traveler
3. gifts for practical self-care
4. gifts for the budding environmentalist

gifts for cozy living 

Winter can bring on seasonal depression for some, especially with there being harsher weather and less sunlight during these months.

Plus, we all too often idolize the grind when we should idolize slowing down. Cozy living can help make winter a little more bearable.

I love the idea of giving sustainable gifts that inspire people to sit around a fireplace, snuggle up, and drink some hot cocoa. Doesn’t that sound so cozy?? The holidays should be a time to relax and unwind, after all.

Cozy living can also mean taking the time to care for your well-being, like taking a hot shower, snuggling up with your dog, making delicious hearty meals, or enjoying a nice bubble bath.

These brands are perfect for staying in and slowing down.

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gifts for the traveler 

Know someone who absolutely loves being outdoors, exploring, or traveling? These sustainable gift ideas are ideal for them and their future adventures!

If they’re always on the go, hiking, camping, or just generally busybodies, these gifts will make their lives a little more convenient all while being sustainable.

Using products that have minimal impact on the earth is one way to ensure that it stays beautiful place for everyone to enjoy!

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gifts for practical self-care 

We all have that one friend who loves having the latest beauty essentials, whether that be makeup or skincare products. These eco friendly gifts will totally vibe with them without harming the planet.

If you know any wellness junkies, they’ll certainly appreciate these zero waste gifts too because of how clean the ingredients are in most of these products.

I just love how these products allow people enjoy some much needed self-care while also making it a priority to care for the planet at the same time.

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gifts for the budding environmentalist 

Know someone who’s a zero waste newbie? Or, someone you want to introduce sustainable living to? These eco friendly gifts would be perfect for them!

Not everyone can afford zero waste swaps, so it’s always nice to gift some to friends and family.

Also, if you know anyone who seriously loves the environment as much as you do, they’re bound to love these gifts.

There’s even one gift listed that’s perfect for getting kids into sustainability! Sustainable living has no age limit, and everyone can play a part in taking care of the earth.

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faqs for sustainable gift ideas

why is sustainable shopping important?

Sustainable gifts help reduce environmental impact. Gifting items that are made responsibly from eco friendly materials helps keep the planet clean and preserve its natural resources.

what is the best way to find environmentally responsible gifts?

Some of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for gifts include the materials a product is made from and the values and ethics of the company that made it.

A lot of eco friendly gifts will have information on their tag or a detailed online description explaining exactly what makes them sustainable. Make sure to also do your research on company values so that you can support business that align with your zero waste lifestyle.

how do I wrap zero waste gifts sustainably?

Reusable gift bags or boxes make it easy to wrap gifts in a sustainable way! You can also opt for upcycled materials such as paper bags, and make it a priority to avoid plastic packaging too. Adding natural decorations like dried flowers or leaves can also add a nice touch to the final package.

Check out my zero waste gift wrapping guide for more ideas!

Did this sustainable gift guide inspire you? What eco-friendly gifts will you be gifting this season? Let me know in the comments!

Location: Pupuya, Navidad, O’Higgins, Chile

Price: $270,480,000 Chilean pesos (Approximately $289,172 USD)

Year Built: 2024

From the Agent: “Located on elevated terrain in La Vega de Pupuya, Chile, just 10 minutes from the popular and windy beach town of Matanzas, Casa RWO is perched atop an exposed ridge, conceived as a bridge that extends toward the valley landscape. The repetition of a wooden rib system defines the structure, creating a long exterior walkway that connects the entrance to the common areas. The steel-framed house rests within these wooden ribs, which reinforce the main facade and emphasize its linear form. Inside, the layout features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and an integrated living/dining area. Each room opens to the surrounding landscape, combining functionality with a strong sense of connection to the environment.”